Splitting wood in a manual way like using a hatchet or an axe is a challenging task. If you are planning to do it for your home then you must know the features and all aspects about splitting wood with axes. But whatever you do with axes, some question always comes to mind. Similar to the question, are heavier axes good for splitting wood?
To know the answer we will reveal some hidden facts about axes. So that you can come to a decision by yourself about what type of axes is best for you while splitting wood.
What Is the Importance of Axes Weight?
Its not only about axes, to maintain the momentum of any hand task, especially for the log splitting task, you must choose the weighted axes for proper and better performance. If you have ever worked with a splitting maul then you know the importance of weight in an axe.
While performing this task, most of the time your arms feel weak and muscles get pain because it's a continuous process and tiring too. So for this type of work, you need some extra power that can be provided by heavy axes only. A heavyweight axe can give you more power as compared to a lightweight one.
But it doesn't mean that you have to buy the heaviest axes available in the market because it's not necessary either. You should buy that much weighted axes in which you feel comfortable while working. It means that an ideal weight of an axe totally depends upon the strength of an individual.
What Is The Average Weight of the Splitting Axe?
The weight of an average splitting axe is about four to seven pounds. It totally depends upon the brand, size, and quality of an axe.
But for a beginner, we recommend going with a lightweight axe because it's easy to handle as compared to heavyweight axes. With a lightweight axe, you can easily learn the proper grip and technique. After learning all the aspects then you can buy a heavyweight axe for log splitting.
While choosing the weight of an axe, always keep in mind that don't go with a very heavy or very light axe. An ideal weight totally depends upon your strength, if you feel comfortable with a particular weight then it will be perfect for you.
Size Does Matter!
The size of an axe is also an important aspect while choosing the best one for you. If we talk about the splitting axe then it's available in different sizes like small, medium, and large. So before buying an axe, you must check which size is perfect according to your height and strength.
An axe with a longer handle can give you more power as compared to the short handle axe. But it totally depends upon your grip and comfort too. If you feel comfortable with a particular size then it will be good for splitting wood.
But we will recommend going with a medium-sized axe because it's easy to control and work with it. After using it for some time then you can buy a small or large-sized axe.
What Are The Types of Splitting Axes?
There are different types of splitting axes available in the market like single-bit, double-bit, and hatchets too. So before buying an axe, you must check which type is perfect according to your need.
Single-bit Splitting Axes:
A single-bit splitting axe is designed for cutting and splitting medium to large logs. It has a straight edge that is sharpened on one side only. This type of axe is perfect for beginners because it's easy to use and control.
The single-bit axe is available in different sizes like small, medium, and large. So before buying an axe, you must check which size is perfect according to your height and strength.
Double-bit Splitting Axes:
A double-bit splitting axe is designed for cutting and splitting large logs. It has both sides edge which is perfect for cutting and splitting logs. This type of axe is perfect for professionals because it's tough to use and control.
Hatchets:
A hatchet is a tiny axe that's used for chopping and splitting small timber. It's easy to use and control as compared to other types of axes. For the beginners and light users, this type of axe is perfect.
How Can Heavy Axe Benefits You While Splitting Wood?
There are lots of benefits to use a heavy axe while splitting wood. Some of them are given below:
- A heavyweight axe can give you more power as compared to a lightweight one.
- With a heavyweight axe, you can easily split large logs.
- It's easy to control and work with a heavyweight axe.
- With a heavyweight axe, you can easily learn the proper grip and technique.
- Its super easy to find the sweet spot with a heavyweight axe.
- You can get more power while swinging a heavyweight axe.
- A heavyweight axe is perfect for professionals.
- Much sturdy and durable as compared to a lightweight axe.
What Are The Disadvantages of Heavy Axe?
There are some disadvantages to using a heavyweight axe while splitting wood. Some of them are given below:
- It's tough to use and control a heavyweight axe.
- A heavyweight axe can cause fatigue quickly.
- You need more strength to swing a heavyweight axe.
What is the maximum size of a wood splitting axe's head?
Generally , the size of a wood-splitting axe's head should not exceed more than 8 pounds. If it's too heavy then it will be tough to control and use. Besides if you have a the average pounds of head then the handle size may vary from 24 to 30 inch which is a comfortable size for most of the people.
What is the better handle material for a wood-splitting axe?
The good handle materials for a wood-splitting axe are hickory and fiberglass. Hickory is a strong and durable wood that can withstand a lot of abuse. Fiberglass is also a strong and durable material that can withstand a lot of abuse.
Conclusion:
In the end, we have discussed all about the splitting axe. We have also discussed the different types of splitting axes and their benefits. So now you can easily choose the perfect axe according to your need. Thanks for reading this article. We hope you have found it helpful.
Have a nice day! 🙂